VA Legal Sales to Floor Votes; Navy Marijuana Waivers; PA Medical Cannabis & Guns; Psychedelics & sex, WA Homegrow Dead; OH Election Warning
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Top Things to Know
Vice President Kamala Harris has posted a video in which she claims prematurely that the Biden administration “has already changed federal marijuana policy”. She also uses a map incorrectly showing which states have legalized marijuana.
The Virginia House of Delegates has given initial approval to a measure to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana. It will be put to a vote in the final week, as Senate legislation to permit cannabis commerce is also moving forward ahead of Tuesday’s crossover deadline.
The U.S. Navy has expanded its authority to grant enlistment exemptions to new recruits that test positive for marijuana. A rear admiral said the goal was to “reflect where legislation is at in society,” because “we acknowledge that many states have legalized cannabis.”
Washington House Appropriations Committee killed the bill that would have legalized home cultivation of cannabis by refusing to schedule any votes before a crucial deadline.
An Ohio representative is warning colleagues they risk losing reelection by supporting legislation that undermines the will of voters who approved a marijuana legalization ballot initiative–specifically cautioning against proposals to redirect tax revenue to law enforcement.
A Pennsylvania Republican Senator plans to introduce a bill that would allow medical cannabis patients to obtain licenses for carrying guns.
According to a new study, “psychedelic use was associated with improvements of several aspects of sexual functioning and happiness, including increased pleasure and communication during sexual activity” — for as long as six month after the psychedelic encounter.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Senate Minority leader Trey Stewart are both opposed to a bill that would decriminalize drug use and invest the $45 million saved in criminal justice costs each year into expanding access to treatment.
A mother who had her five children taken from her after her partner was arrested for marijuana is suing Tennessee social workers and police officers over the “severe trauma” caused by their “illegally tearing apart and terrorizing” her family.
Federal
A plea agreement was reached by federal prosecutors to dismiss the 17-year old case against an individual for operating a medical marijuana dispensary in California.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-CA, called out federal officials and California officials in a House Floor speech for their “passive” response to illegal marijuana cultivation.
Tennessee Democratic Senate Candidate Gloria Johnson, a current state representative, tweeted: “Voters agree that it is time for Tennessee and federal government to relax and legalize cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes!”
STATES
Montana’s Attorney General urged CBS not to air an ad during the Super Bowl for Temu due to its alleged links with the Chinese Communist Party. The attorney general said that CBS had rejected “far more controversial” ads in the past, such as those touting medical marijuana.
On Wednesday, the Florida Senate will likely consider a bill that would restrict hemp-based products.
A subcommittee of the Iowa Senate has advanced a bill that would double the number medical cannabis dispensaries.
Oregon legislators held a hearing to discuss legislation that would revise the voter-approved decriminalization of drugs law.
A representative from Illinois introduced a bill that would allow police to use breathalyzers to test for sobriety using cannabis.
Colorado regulators have been sued for marijuana tracking rules.
Massachusetts regulators have begun accepting applications for the fourth cohort of their cannabis social equity program.
Maine regulators have launched a partnership with retailers to launch a cannabis education program.
Connecticut regulators encouraged people to choose sober drivers to watch the Super Bowl if they plan to consume cannabis or alcohol.
Missouri marijuana regulators have launched a podcast and a newsletter.
Alaska’s Advisory Task Force on Recreational Cannabis will meet on Tuesday.
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LOCAL
Manchester’s Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a proposal to open the first drive-thru dispensary in Connecticut.
A member of the Atlanta City Council in Georgia was cited by police for marijuana possession.
Greenville officials in South Carolina warn businesses selling hemp-derived products that are intoxicating.
International
The German health minister discussed the advantages of legalizing marijuana.
/ SCIENCE AND HEALTH
In an immature rat study, “cannabidiol reduced intraventricular hemorrhage and brain damage. It preserved myelination while preventing blood-brain barrier dysfunction.”
According to a study, “DMT could reduce depressive symptoms by inducing peak experience.”
/ OPINION, ADVOCACY & ANALYSIS
The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association has asked a federal judge to dismiss Jersey City’s suit that seeks an overturning of a state policy which protects police from punishment for marijuana use while off duty.
The Virginian-Pilot’s editorial board has called on the state legislature to pass legislation legalizing recreational marijuana sales.
Virgin’s Richard Branson wrote a blog on the benefits to legalizing marijuana.
BUSINESS
Canopy Growth Corporation has reported a quarterly net revenue (C$78.5m) and a loss (C$216.8m).
Workers at the Puffin Store NJ in New Brunswick (New Jersey) voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Local 360.
AYR Wellness Inc. has completed a plan for arrangement.
Illinois retailers sold recreational marijuana products worth $133.8 millions in Illinois in January.
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Photo by Chris Wallis // Side Pocket Images.
The post VP Harris misstates facts in his cannabis video (Newsletter for February 12, 2024:) appeared first on Marijuana Moment.
